I think I know why they are using slower cloth.

[Icon of Sin]

One reason I think they want the slower cloth is so the players have to hit balls harder, here is why.

When you are out at the bar and see two people playing on a pool table who obviously have no clue what they are doing, what do you see them do? Hitting balls hard, we even use the name bangers for this type of player. By making the pros do this, the fast shots and such will keep the attention of the general public and look fancy rather then the slow play which may come off as boring to them. I think that is the reason the IPT may have choose slow cloth rather then fast, especially since the TV show will be in the publics hands once it is on the air and to be succesful it must be watched by people other then pool players. This could be one of the reasons they went with 8 ball instead of 9 ball too.

 

[CaptiveBred]

I've had similar thoughts, as well.

In addition, I think these factors were involved -

MS wants things to his favor and pushed for it...

The IPT has to offer a new game. Rules, cloth, and discipline...

I also think marketing played a small part. They get to develope a new product to sell. If the cloth was comparable to curent industry leaders, most people would stick with what they have. Changing to something, drastically, makes for more sales. If all the, serious, pool rooms around the world change to IPT specs, they are in for some cloth sales...

 

[cigardave]

If all the, serious, pool rooms around the world change to IPT specs, they are in for some cloth sales...

I have a VERY hard time seeing this happen.

OTOH, I could see lower end pool tables being sold with IPT cloth to the unsuspecting public who wants to be like Mike.

My belief is the serious pool rooms are going to stay with their current cloth (or something very similar that wears well and plays well).

The industry went away from the slow cloth for a reason. I don't foresee a reversal. JMO.

 

[JohnnyP]

A former pro player told me the tournaments went to faster cloth because Simonis "paid people to play on it". Poolhall owners followed suit, because that's what was being used on tv.

He said the players would play on a carpet as long as somebody was paying them.

 

[macguy]

A former pro player told me the tournaments went to faster cloth because Simonis "paid people to play on it". Poolhall owners followed suit, because that's what was being used on tv.

He said the players would play on a carpet as long as somebody was paying them.

That may very well have been true but the millions of players that play on and love it don't get paid. Most room owners bite their lips when they have to pay the cost of Simonis but the public demands it so they have no choice. It took years by the way, not over night to really introduce the fast cloth and get room owners to use it. Maybe if the IPT cloth is half the price room owners may try it but that would be the only way.

 

[Gabber]

One reason I think they want the slower cloth is so the players have to hit balls harder, here is why.

When you are out at the bar and see two people playing on a pool table who obviously have no clue what they are doing, what do you see them do? Hitting balls hard, we even use the name bangers for this type of player. By making the pros do this, the fast shots and such will keep the attention of the general public and look fancy rather then the slow play which may come off as boring to them. I think that is the reason the IPT may have choose slow cloth rather then fast, especially since the TV show will be in the publics hands once it is on the air and to be succesful it must be watched by people other then pool players. This could be one of the reasons they went with 8 ball instead of 9 ball too.

Do you actually play pool?
Have you EVER played in a tournament?
Have you EVER ran a rack?

I have my doubts.

Gabber,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Icon of Sin]

Do you actually play pool?
Have you EVER played in a tournament?
Have you EVER ran a rack?

I have my doubts.

Gabber,,,,,,,,,,

You my friend are a moron, I have done much of what you listed above.

 

[Str8PoolMan]

I think Heath may have something here. Think about all the pool movies that have been made. The game scenes invariably consist of supposedly great players hitting the balls hard. Either that or some combo or masse trick shot. The hard hitting creates more perceived intensity. KT wants a reality TV show, not a pool match. The slow cloth helps produce this.

 

[Icon of Sin]

I think Heath may have something here. Think about all the pool movies that have been made. The game scenes invariably consist of supposedly great players hitting the balls hard. Either that or some combo or masse trick shot. The hard hitting creates more perceived intensity. KT wants a reality TV show, not a pool match. The slow cloth helps produce this.

Thanks dude!

 

[Cameron Smith]

OTOH, I could see lower end pool tables being sold with IPT cloth to the unsuspecting public who wants to be like Mike.

Is the IPT cloth cheaper than Simonis? I would think it to be a good idea to practice on slower cloth because it develops a better stroke.

But your right I can't see room owners creating tougher conditions for their tables. The average pool player just wants to play pool. If given the choice between a tough table and an easy table they would want the easy one. No reason torturing themselves. However the average player may not know that there is an easy and a tough table. But the owners do, and know what they would prefer. Better to keep the clients happy.